Dussehra also known as Vijayadashami is a significant Hindu festival celebrated after nine days of Navratri. The observance celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana signifying the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is also the end of Durga Puja celebrations. Dussehra 2019 will be celebrated on October 8. As the festival approaches, we have compiled some of the significant information about the day. Prior to which, Sharada Navaratri is observed for nine days that celebrates the nine forms of Durga. Navratri 2019 will be celebrated from September 29 to October 7.

While the core elements of the festival are the same, the day is known by different names in various parts of the country. In the northern and southern states, Dussehra stands for the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana and the eastern and northeastern states mark the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon king, Mahishasura.

  • Dussehra celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, signifying the triumph of good over the evil.

  • Dussehra 2019 will be observed on October 8.

  • In northeastern states, the observance marks the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, the demon king.

  • The festival is known as Vijayadashami in the southern states.

  • Ahead of Dussehra, Navratri is observed, which celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

In north India, Ramleela, an enactment of Lord Rama's heroic life ad recitations are held. People also burn effigies of Ravana and his brothers Meghanada and Kumbakaran. While in the eastern regions, people take the idol of Goddess Durga for immersion in water. In Varanasi, the life of Ram is enacted daily for a month. The festival also kickstarts preparations for Diwali, the festival of lights, which is celebrated 20 days from Dussehra.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2019 05:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).